Full Breakdown
Titans Edge 49ers in Preseason Opener
8/14/2026, 11:35:23 AM
Core Event
The Tennessee Titans defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13 in the Thursday night preseason contest at Levi’s Stadium. Titans quarterback Cam Ward completed 5 of 12 passes for 57 yards and threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gunnar Helm on an 11-play, 95-yard opening drive. Backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky entered in the second quarter. The 49ers fielded backup quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who threw an interception on his final pass of the joint practice.
Background & Context
The game marked the first appearance of new Titans head coach Robert Saleh, formerly the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. San Francisco dealt with injuries to defensive end Nick Bosa and running backs Jordan James and Kaelon Black, turning attention to recent draft pick defensive end Romello Height.
Data & Statistics
- Cam Ward: 5-of-12, 57 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 56.6 passer rating.
- Opening drive: 11 plays, 95 yds, culminating in a 5-yard TD run by Tony Pollard.
- Titans field goals: Joey Slye 39 yd (1st), 55 yd (halftime), 53 yd (3rd), 58 yd (late 3rd) -> 19 points.
- 49ers scoring: Patrick Taylor 1-yard TD run, Eddy Pineiro field goals of 48 yd (final) and 39 yd (3rd).
- Ward’s rookie season (2025): 59.8 % completion, 3,169 yds, 15 TDs, 7 INTs.
Official Statements & Responses
Kyle Shanahan explained the limited starter usage as a balance between preparation and health preservation. Post-game, Saleh emphasized a “sense of urgency” in addressing deficiencies while assuring the team would not panic.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Titans opened strongly, converting a 95-yard drive into a 7-0 lead before the 49ers tied the game with a short rushing TD. After the tie, the Titans relied on Slye’s long-range field goals to regain and extend the lead. Defensive pressure from Height briefly forced Ward into an overpursuit, but Ward escaped the sack. Late-game action saw the 49ers narrow the margin to 13-10, but Slye’s 58-yard kick restored a five-point cushion that held until the final whistle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the identity of the Titans’ second-half quarterback. One report states Will Levis started the second half and Hendon Hooker finished the contest, while another notes only Mitchell Trubisky replaced Ward in the second quarter. No official roster clarification has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I liked the way we came out,” — Coach Robert Saleh
- “It felt good to get back out there,” — Cam Ward
- “I think the pass game, there's some things we can clean up, tighten up some coverage here and there. But every opportunity you go out there, there are things you're going to find you get better at. It was just fun to be back out there, first time.” — Robert Saleh
What’s Next
The 49ers will focus on their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, four weeks from now. The Titans will continue to evaluate Ward and offensive-line candidates in the remaining preseason matchups.
